Senior left tackle Brenden Jaimes will not play another snap as a Husker. Jaimes made the announcement on Monday that he will opt out of the remainder of the season and turn his attention toward preparation for the NFL Draft.
Offensive coordinator Matt Lubick wasn’t 100% sure about Jaimes’ reason to opt out when asked on Tuesday, but he said he understands.
“It’s his decision. We get it,” Lubick said. “I’m sure it has to do with draft preparation. We wish him the best.”
Nebraska will now turn to freshman Turner Corcoran at left tackle on Friday against Rutgers, with Brant Banks backing him up. Lubick believes it’s a great opportunity for Corcoran.
“We think he’s gonna be a great player,” Lubick said. “He’s kinda surpassed our expectations.”
It’ll still be an adjustment for Nebraska’s offensive line, especially considering Jaimes started 40 consecutive games in his four years with Nebraska. With that said, players—like wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson—have all the confidence in Corcoran.
“I mean, he’s showed that he can play the position at a high level,” Robinson said.
Nebraska will also start three freshmen on the offensive line against Rutgers, but it’s not something Lubick is unfamiliar with. He started four freshmen on the O-line once when he was with Oregon. It may not be the ideal situation, but Lubick isn’t worried. He’s confident in players like Corcoran.
Robinson sees it as a benefit too.
“We need the reps, we need all the experience we can get,” Robinson said. “Especially going into next year.”
More news and notes:
>> Inside linebacker Collin Miller said that a lot of what happened right after his injury against Illinois was precautionary.
“I’m doing much better than I was before,” Miller said. “I wanted to get back with the team pretty early because I knew those guys would lift me up and put a smile on my face.”
Miller also doesn’t plan to return to football. After speaking with specialists, it doesn’t appear to be in his best interest to continue playing.
“Looking down the road with my health, I probably won’t be coming back,” Miller said. “I’m probably hanging up the cleats for good.”
>> Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander thinks “officials have a hard job” when it comes to the targeting rule. Cam Taylor-Britt was ejected against Minnesota for targeting, but Chinander said that same play happened in a number of other times but the runner wasn’t the quarterback.
“It’s really hard to be physical right now,” Chinander said.
>> Coach Scott Frost said as much on Monday, and Lubick agreed that the Huskers had a good week of practice before Minnesota.
“The big thing is, and I know all media and fans are worried about it, we’ve got to execute on (Friday),” Lubick said. “We’re worried about it as well.”
>> Is there motivation to still play for Nebraska? Marquel Dismuke said yes.
“We’ve still got football to play,” he said. “. . . It’s time to go even harder.”
>> It’s also expected to be a cold night in Piscataway, New Jersey on Friday, and especially so now that the game is set for 6:30 pm. CT. Dismuke isn’t worried about the weather.
“You let the cold get to you, you’re thinking about the wrong thing,” he said. “. . . You’ve got to be the one to hit first, or you’re going to feel every bit of it.”
